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	<title>Clutch Magazine &#187; Ones to Watch</title>
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	<link>http://clutchmagonline.com</link>
	<description>The Digital Magazine for the Young, Contemporary Woman of Color</description>
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		<title>Shree Moní Footwear</title>
		<link>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/shree-moni-footwear/</link>
		<comments>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/shree-moni-footwear/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2009 04:03:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chelsea Smith</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ones to Watch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Feature]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shoe designers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://clutchmagonline.com/?p=19918</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p></p>
<p>As an emerging footwear designer, Shäri Gray already understands so much of what we women desire in the ideal shoe.&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/shari-gray-daughter-owner-shree-moni-650x431.jpg" alt="Shari Gray and Daughter - Owner of Shree Moni" title="Shari Gray and Daughter - Owner of Shree Moni" width="640" height="431" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-19952" /></p>
<p>As an emerging footwear designer, Shäri Gray already understands so much of what we women desire in the ideal shoe. She knows how important the shoe is in making a woman feel divine. She caught on to the fact that we love a high heel, and that if designed just right, it’ll help us to exude “blossoming femininity and perfect splendor.” She’s aware of our desire to feel like we’re living the glamorous life, without having to spend an entire paycheck on a single pair of show-stopping pumps. And, of course, she knows that we demand comfort and quality if we’re going to be able to maintain our signature struts throughout the day and night.  Knowing all this, its seems quite evident that Ms. Gray’s collection, Shree Moní, will soon become a favorite for us all.</p>
<p>For Spring 2009, Shäri welcomes us into the fairytale land of Shree Moní footwear. The current collection, “Spring in Paris”, pays homage to the “City of Lights” by drawing design inspiration from the many architectural landmarks that have continued to make Paris a dream destination. With 18 new styles crafted from only finest imported materials and embellishments, the line is definitely a sight to see!</p>
<blockquote><p><em>We were able to catch up with the designer, who gave us more insight into the line and her journey into the fashion industry…</em></p></blockquote>
<p>
<a href='http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/shree-moni-footwear/attachment/lourve_01/' title='Lourve'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/lourve_01-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Lourve" /></a>
<a href='http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/shree-moni-footwear/attachment/bonheur_01/' title='Bonheur'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/bonheur_01-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Bonheur" /></a>
<a href='http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/shree-moni-footwear/attachment/champselysses_01/' title='Champselysses'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/champselysses_01-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Champselysses" /></a>
<a href='http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/shree-moni-footwear/attachment/monalisa_01/' title='Monalisa'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/monalisa_01-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Monalisa" /></a>
<a href='http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/shree-moni-footwear/attachment/seine_01/' title='Seine'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/seine_01-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Seine" /></a>
<a href='http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/shree-moni-footwear/attachment/ruederivoli_01-1/' title='Ruederivoli'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ruederivoli_01-1-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Ruederivoli" /></a>
<a href='http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/shree-moni-footwear/attachment/shari-gray-owner-shree-moni-2/' title='Shari Gray'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/shari-gray-owner-shree-moni-2-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Shari Gray" /></a>
<a href='http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/shree-moni-footwear/attachment/shari-gray-owner-sheree-moni-1/' title='Shari Gray'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/shari-gray-owner-sheree-moni-1-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Shari Gray" /></a>
<a href='http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/shree-moni-footwear/attachment/shari-gray-daughter-owner-shree-moni/' title='Shari Gray and Daughter - Owner of Shree Moni'><img width="150" height="150" src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/shari-gray-daughter-owner-shree-moni-150x150.jpg" class="attachment-thumbnail" alt="" title="Shari Gray and Daughter - Owner of Shree Moni" /></a>
<br />
<strong>CLUTCH: What inspired you to construct a shoe line?</strong><br />
<strong> Shäri Gray: </strong>I saw a void in the market for quality/ high- fashion shoes for the everyday woman at an attainable price point, so I st arted to conceptualize the line in early 2007. My goal was to design a shoe with a high fashion, avant-garde flair. I used vivid colors and creamy pastels, while mixing in exotic leathers and textured materials topped with intricate detail. I wanted to provide a collection that exudes exclusivity and unconventional taste.</p>
<p><strong>C: Who were you in your former life?</strong><br />
<strong> SG: </strong>A song writer/ music connoisseur, with a love for music, art and traveling the world. As a songwriter who always had a passion for shoes, I saw first hand how music and fashion collided. I was inspired not only by the people I worked with, but also by the sound they created. Some of my projects included working with Mario, Letoya Luckett, and Christina Milian. Music evokes different emotions just like color. It’s weird, when I heard music and wrote songs &#8211; I saw color. The colors I visualized gave me inspiration on what hues of color I should implement in my collections.</p>
<p><strong>C: Explain the Shree Moní line.</strong><br />
<strong> SG: </strong>It was important for me to recapture femininity within footwear. I feel that women have such a presence and an undeniable aura, just like a well-crafted shoe. The intricate details of shoe design mimic the femininity of the woman with its form, poise, curve and silhouette. These characteristics are celebrated in the Shree Moni collection. As a company we understand that shoes have their own existence just like the women wearing them.</p>
<p><strong>C: What is the Shree Moní signature?</strong><br />
<strong> SG:</strong> Never compromising the integrity of the product, we utilize only the finest in production and materials to create timeless designs. Our collection is filled with baby kid leather imported from Italy, leather soles, Swarovski Crystals, paved wood, matured suede, and our signature heel bridges. Enjoy….</p>
<p><em>For more information on <strong>Shree Moní</strong>, and to pre-order designs from the “<strong>Spring in Paris</strong>” Collection, please visit <a href="http://www.shreemoni.com">www.shreemoni.com</a>.</em></p>
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		<slash:comments>11</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>LaQueue</title>
		<link>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/laqueue/</link>
		<comments>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/laqueue/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:05:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Patrice Floy</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ones to Watch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Designers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emerging designers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/laqueue/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p> It takes a sharp-eyed designer to tap into the countless personas of fashionable women from all walks of life. In&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/mail.jpg" width="362" height="550" alt="mail.jpg" class="hide" /><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/mail.jpg" width="362" height="550" alt="mail.jpg" class="imageframe imgalignright" /> It takes a sharp-eyed designer to tap into the countless personas of fashionable women from all walks of life. In order to execute that technique a great designer studies their finesse, strut and the eventful lifestyles women lead. Twenty-year old designer Laquan Smith masters that and makes it look effortless. The bubbly, and adorable neon-nailed style architect is on a very creative journey to add some more bedazzle, glam, chic-ness and umph to the fierce and poised Bella&#8217;s. It doesn&#8217;t matter if your from the streets, peach tree sides or on the international front, with the line named slightly after him, Laqueue will make any style maven stand out in a crowd. The high end fashion line  illustrates a story in order to create the illusion that the pavement is a runway. His use of fabrics are daring but at the same time not bizarre. With his brilliantly constructed, era inspired pieces festooned with sequence, fur, floral and leather, a Laqueue garment will indeed get you those stop and stare looks. Laqueue&#8217;s collection of clothing consists of abstract pieces that can find a way to collide the style of socialite Genevieve Jones and the trend setting style of Kelis all in one look. This passion and drive all started when the Queen&#8217;s born innovator got bit by the bittersweet fashion bug years ago and propelled him to take on sewing at thirteen years old. After being taught by his grandmother Laquan utilized what he&#8217;d learned and only got better and better.</p>
<p>Considering this crucial time in the fashion industry and the economy thousands and probably even millions of young up and coming designers are hustling to get a foot in the door so that their pieces can be featured in big magazine spreads, Fashion week and on socialites and notables from all over the globe. Laquan is optimistic that things will work out in his favor. His hard-work, professionalism, strong sense of creative direction and eclectic vision will without a doubt introduce him to the masses. When you witness his pieces it&#8217;s hard to believe why he hasn&#8217;t been fully introduced to the fashion sphere but it&#8217;s okay lovelies cause <em>Clutch</em> like always puts everybody on to what&#8217;s <strong>NEXT</strong>. We got a chance to pick that interesting brain of his…. </p>
<p><strong>Clutch: You add such great whimsical flair to your pieces. Where does that inspiration come from?</strong><br />
<strong>LaQueue:</strong> A lot of my inspiration comes from my everyday life living in New York City. In the world of LaQueue, its perfectly natural for a woman to enter the night life after a chic minute of grocery shopping, while storming in her 6 inch Louboutin&#8217;s. Most people would say, &#8220;that&#8217;s not realistic&#8221;. However, I&#8217;ve always believed in dressing for the image and not the occasion!</p>
<p><strong>Clutch: Has there been a designer/s that inspired you to design, perfect your craft and be so unique?</strong><br />
<strong>LaQueue: </strong>Designers that inspire me most are Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga and Miuccia Prada for Miu Miu. I think they are outstanding!!! When viewing their collections/ look books, it inspires me to create imagination/alter-egos within the garments that I construct.</p>
<p><strong>Clutch: Who are your muses? (a celebrity, model, friend, art, culture, lifestyle, etc)?</strong><br />
<strong>LaQueue:</strong> Honestly, I haven&#8217;t found her as of yet &#8212;- (call me crazy), but the only muse that I&#8217;ve ever had is inside me (imagination). Her name is Queens, she&#8217;s 21, African American, 6&#8242;0 feet, extremely thin and has a complexion that is fairly brown. When designing, I design according to Queens emotions, lifestyle and adventures.</p>
<p>      <img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/laq2.jpg" width="640" height="311" alt="laq2.jpg" class="imageframe" /></p>
<p><strong>Clutch: Who is the LaQueue woman?</strong><br />
<strong>LaQueue:</strong> The LaQueue woman is definitely fab! she&#8217;s a refined woman that has influence, poise and the power within the image she provides.</p>
<p><strong>Clutch: I see that Jaslene from <em>America&#8217;s Next Top Model</em> and Aubrey O&#8217;Day are fans, what other notables have worn your pieces so far?  Who would be your ideal client to design for?</strong><br />
<strong>LaQueue: </strong>Well, the amazing fashion socialite Andre. J who graced the cover of <em>Paris Vogue</em> (Nov 07 issues) was also spotted in a LaQueue. He&#8217;s so sweet, he would be ideal!</p>
<p><strong>Clutch: Most up and coming designers are often encouraged to study with an established designer before they make their mark. Are you an apprentice for any designer or do you choose to do it on your own?</strong><br />
<strong>LaQueue:</strong>  Currently I&#8217;ve been interning for <em>BlackBook</em> Magazine &#8212; assisting the fashion Director Elizabeth Sulcer. Aside from interning, I try to build clientÃ¨le however that doesn&#8217;t always happen when you&#8217;re a self-supported designer like myself.</p>
<p><strong>Clutch: What can we expect from you in the near future?</strong><br />
<strong>LaQueue:</strong> Well, you can definitely expect more celebs/ fashion socialites spotted in my pieces. Expect to see me during N.Y fashion week someday. Over all, I&#8217;ve learned to expect the unexpected. I really don&#8217;t know what God has in store, but in due time. </p>
<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/laq1.jpg" width="640" height="314" alt="laq1.jpg" class="imageframe" /></p>
<p><em>For more information on <strong>LaQueue</strong> please visit <a href="http://www.myspace.com/laqueuefashions88">www.myspace.com/laqueuefashions88 </a></em> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Leon Curry for Ellie Owen</title>
		<link>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/leon-curry-for-ellie-owen/</link>
		<comments>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/leon-curry-for-ellie-owen/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2008 04:07:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Teneille Craig</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ones to Watch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Designers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emerging designers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/leon-curry-for-ellie-owen/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Why should you want to know who Leon Curry is? If you&#8217;re reading this, then chances are inside of you&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/l_a13f40712ba8ea370699f0e60e35cdaf.jpg" width="385" height="424" alt="l_a13f40712ba8ea370699f0e60e35cdaf.jpg" class="imageframe imgalignright" />Why should you want to know who Leon Curry is? If you&#8217;re reading this, then chances are inside of you lives an uncontrollably eager, rambunctious and fashion conscious spirit who Leon calls <strong>Ellie Owen</strong>.  &#8220;Style never dies and here at E.O. (Ellie Owen) we strive to create a distinct style for the bold and beautiful female.  A woman that knows who she is (and everyone else knows who she is as well). She can&#8217;t be labeled, she is a rare specimen, examined over and over but no one can capture her mystique.&#8221; explains the 22 year old design genius. </p>
<p>With inspiration stemming from fabrics to Frank Sinatra and a love for <strong><a href="http://www.hedislimane.com">Hedi Slimane</a></strong> and Marc Jacobs, the Florida A&#038;M student is ready to take on the industry with an innovative and well rounded zeal.  </p>
<blockquote><p><em>&#8220;I love high fashion but, I try to create instead of emulate.&#8221; </em>he says. </p></blockquote>
<p>And create he has!  Attributing his successes to &#8220;pray and research&#8221;,  Leon has surely learned early on the challenges young designers face when looking for their big break in the industry.  Steadfastly managing the business demands of his growing brand, he&#8217;s consistently wowed us with each new collection.  Flirty, futuristic and exciting, his playgirl contemporary party dresses rouses the bad girl in us all!  A refreshing discovery, Leon Curry is a frontrunner for the next generation of fashion leaders. </p>
<p>From photo shoots in New York with renowned <em>Vogue</em> photographers to fashion fiery celebs such as Aubrey O&#8217;Day already clamoring over the young talent, Leon Curry is definitely one to watch.  &#8220;The Ellie Owen woman is the embodiment, better yet, epitome of phenomenal.  The E.O. woman is unafraid.&#8221;</p>
<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/ellie4.jpg" width="640" height="487" alt="ellie4.jpg" class="imageframe" /></p>
<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/ellie2.jpg" width="640" height="330" alt="ellie2.jpg" class="imageframe" /></p>
<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/ellie1.jpg" width="640" height="488" alt="ellie1.jpg" class="imageframe" /></p>
<p><em>For more information on <strong>Leon Curry</strong> and <strong>Ellie Owen</strong> please visit <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ldc86">www.myspace.com/ldc86</a></em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Megan Huntz</title>
		<link>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/megan-huntz/</link>
		<comments>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/megan-huntz/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jul 2008 04:04:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nikki J. Duckworth</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ones to Watch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Designers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/megan-huntz/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>If you&#8217;re looking to make a wise fashion investment this season, definitely bet on the dress.  More of a summer&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/1552318329_180d806345.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="1552318329_180d806345.jpg" class="imageframe imgalignright" />If you&#8217;re looking to make a wise fashion investment this season, definitely bet on the dress.  More of a summer necessity than a trend, dresses are a great way to up your chic quotient without much effort.  A stylish frock can easily save the day on any  fashion challenged occasion.  While scouring the net for more jewels to add to our ever growing dress collection we came across fresh designs by <strong>Megan Huntz</strong>.</p>
<p>The Atlanta native, who attended <a href="http://www.pratt.edu/campus/brooklyn_campus"><strong>Pratt Institute in Brooklyn</strong></a>, has been living in Italy for the past five years where she currently works her magic. Made of 100% silk, numbered and colored by hand these limited edition, these life-is-a-party perfect dresses are comparable to works of art.  Each dress is part of a unique series that&#8217;s designed to transcend the latest trends, so you&#8217;ll be able enjoy them for years to come without looking the least bit dated.  Evoking a vintage feel while maintaining a contemporary edge, dresses by Megan Huntz are a necessity for the maverick who doesn&#8217;t need a special reason to get all dolled up.</p>
<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/megan2.jpg" width="640" height="317" alt="megan2.jpg" class="imageframe" /></p>
<p><em>For more information on <strong>Megan Huntz</strong> please visit <a href="http://www.meganhuntz.com">www.meganhuntz.com</a></em></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>House of Spy</title>
		<link>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/house-of-spy/</link>
		<comments>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/house-of-spy/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 01 May 2008 04:05:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nikki J. Duckworth</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ones to Watch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emerging designers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/house-of-spy/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p> When Wendy Wong decided to trade in her lab coat and test tubes for a sewing machine and thread, she&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/houseofspy.jpg" width="500" height="750" alt="houseofspy.jpg" class="imageframe imgalignright" /> When Wendy Wong decided to trade in her lab coat and test tubes for a sewing machine and thread, she still managed to concoct a winning formula with her spot on clothing line, <strong>House of Spy</strong>. One part lady-like vintage mixed with a dash of whimsy and an astute eye for detail, the Spring collection is definitely &#8220;One to watch&#8221; worthy. The designer explains that the name House of Spy was inspired by fashion institutions like the Houses of Chanel and Dior. Well, we have a feeling that Ms. Wong is on her way to creating her own place in fashion history.  </p>
<p><strong>Q: Your slogan reads “Streetwear designed for the new millennium.” Can you elaborate on what that idea means?</strong><br />
Actually that was the slogan years ago when the line was much more “streety.”  It was very much inspired by the whole electronic music scene, and I haven&#8217;t been able to figure out how to change that slogan on the web search engine! </p>
<p><strong>Q: Your bio shares a rather interesting story. You were studying biology, and then you took a part-time job as a receptionist at a design school, began taking classes and then started your own line. What made you decide to make the transition and commit to fashion full-time? Did you have any interest in fashion prior to working at the design college?</strong><br />
Coming from a Chinese background, going to school for anything artsy was definitely not going to happen.  If it weren&#8217;t for the part-time job, I never would&#8217;ve even considered fashion school.  Yes, I was always into fashion from a young age and had just learned to sew and was making my own clothes right before I got the job, but I always thought science was my career path.  I don&#8217;t always believe in “fate”, but if there was ever a time where the stars aligned, it was the free fashion tuition at that point in my life</p>
<p>At one point I was going to two schools, working two part-time jobs and throwing myself into every fashion event I could.</p>
<p>I finally decided to make the transition to full time fashion after taking part in several local fashion shows and actually having stores come up and ask where they could buy my designs.  I realized that there was a market for what I was doing and just went for it.   </p>
<p><strong>Q: Is there any special significance behind the name House of Spy?</strong><br />
Back when I started the line, during the whole electronic music rage, I had wanted to call it Spy clothing, but after a search I realized that there were TONS of lines called Spy.  Calling it House of Spy was a bit of a play on words, it was obviously a small, indie line catering to a niche market, but named after the big Houses like House of Chanel and House of Dior. </p>
<p><strong>Q: Who&#8217;s the ideal House of Spy woman? Or what kind of woman do you imagine wearing your clothes?</strong><br />
The ideal woman is a stylish and hip young or young at heart woman.  She effortlessly mixes new with old, high and low and isn&#8217;t afraid to make a statement.<br />
<img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/spy1.jpg" width="640" height="445" alt="spy1.jpg" class="imageframe" /><br />
<strong>Q: We love your quirky aesthetic. What are you currently inspired by?</strong><br />
Oh geez, inspiration always changes but like most designers, I&#8217;ve got a thing for vintage and that has always inspired me. The ladylike details of the 20s, the wild colors and patterns of the 60s and 70s and just the general attention to detail and construction from the past. </p>
<p>I&#8217;m currently heading to Buenos Aires, where I&#8217;ll be working on my new spring 09 collection, I have a feeling it could have a latin flavor to it.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Your clothes have names like “Butter Biscuit” and “Ms. Pacman.” What&#8217;s the story behind the names?</strong><br />
Every season I usually work with a theme. Last fall&#8217;s theme was “English Tea Party” hence all the names had references to that, like Butter Biscuit.  I like to have fun when I do things so you&#8217;ll also see coats from that season named Posh and Becks! </p>
<p><strong>Q: How would you describe your personal style?</strong><br />
My personal style is hard to pin down.  I obviously wear a ton of my own designs, mixed in with a liberal amount of vintage and a little bit of new.  I like to switch it up but if I have to be pegged down it would be a hybrid of edgy/sexy/feminine/playful, just like House of Spy! </p>
<p><strong>Q: Tell us about a few of your favorite items from your spring/summer collection?</strong><br />
Some of my faves are the Gabby, strapless bubble dress in purple, the Sateen jumpsuit and the Cadet bomber.  I&#8217;ve been rocking them all already! </p>
<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/spy2.jpg" width="640" height="313" alt="spy2.jpg" class="imageframe" /></p>
<p><strong>Q: Can you share any future plans for House of Spy? Is there anything you&#8217;d like our readers to know about yourself or the line?</strong><br />
Well, House of Spy just recently started a secondary knitwear line called Beatrice Holloway by House of Spy.  It&#8217;s a really sweet and feminine tops and dresses line offered at a bit of a lower price point.  I&#8217;ve also been thinking about moving into the accessories market but no immediate future plans as yet. Expansion into Asia and Europe are top on our list for target markets, probably next season I&#8217;m sure! </p>
<p><em>For more information on <strong>House of Spy </strong>please visit <a href="http://www.houseofspy.com ">www.houseofspy.com </a>and <a href="http://www.shophouseofspy.com ">www.shophouseofspy.com </a></em></p>
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		<title>Alexis Phifer: Ghita</title>
		<link>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/alexis-phifer-ghita/</link>
		<comments>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/alexis-phifer-ghita/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:04:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nikki J. Duckworth</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ones to Watch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Designers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emerging designers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kanye West]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/alexis-phifer-ghita/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p></p>
<p>Anyone who thinks that <strong>Alexis Phifer</strong> merely serves as Kanye West&#8217;s arm candy should take a closer look. Turns out that&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/alexis1.jpg" width="404" height="792" alt="alexis1.jpg" class="imageframe imgalignright" /></p>
<p>Anyone who thinks that <strong>Alexis Phifer</strong> merely serves as Kanye West&#8217;s arm candy should take a closer look. Turns out that Ms. Phifer, who attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, may have been doing more than just sitting pretty at the couple&#8217;s recent appearances at the fall fashion shows.  Perhaps she was looking for inspiration-designer inspiration that is. </p>
<p>Filled with frocks that appear to be light as air Phifer&#8217;s clothing line, Ghita, made its official debut during New York&#8217;s spring fashion week late last year.  Her creative use of proportion and fit, a sorbet-neon color palette and intricate details like paneling and ruching result in an eye catching femme fatale aesthetic that&#8217;s just what a girl needs to maintain her sophisticated cool during the warmer months to come.  We&#8217;re clearly fans of her work and delighted to know that the woman who&#8217;s engaged to an entertainer with a world famous swagger has a little swagger of her own.</p>
<p><em>To learn more about <strong>Ghita</strong> or to view past collections visit <a href="http://www.ghitafashion.com">www.ghitafashion.com </a></em></p>
<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/ghita3.jpg" width="640" height="380" alt="ghita3.jpg" class="imageframe" /><br />
<img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/ghita1.jpg" width="640" height="355" alt="ghita1.jpg" class="imageframe" /><br />
<a href="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/ghita2.jpg" rel="lightbox[pics6406]" title="ghita2.jpg"><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/ghita2.jpg" width="640" height="359" alt="ghita2.jpg" class="imageframe" /></a></p>
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		<title>Jainesse Denim</title>
		<link>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/jainesse-denim/</link>
		<comments>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/jainesse-denim/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 01 Mar 2008 04:00:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jennifer Valentine</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ones to Watch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Designers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/jainesse-denim/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p> </p>
<p><strong>Jaycia Gayle</strong> is the woman behind some of the most fabulous denim duds out there. Her line, <em><strong>Jainesse Denim </strong></em>launched in&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/jd2.jpg" width="649" height="291" alt="jd2.jpg" class="imageframe" /> </p>
<p><strong>Jaycia Gayle</strong> is the woman behind some of the most fabulous denim duds out there. Her line, <em><strong>Jainesse Denim </strong></em>launched in August of 2004 and has since been suiting the bodies of celebs and bodacious women alike. Gayle began in the retail side of the fashion industry and worked in an environment with designer co-workers for many years. Support from both colleagues and family contributed to her relentless pursuit of a childhood dream. Influenced by the 70s and her native country Jamaica, Gayle insists on creating untraditional looks and pieces that no one else may have. </p>
<p>When asked what goes into creating a fab pair of jeans, Gayle says, “It all starts with when the light bulb goes off in your head. I may see something or have a random thought. I will immediately write it down. From there you make it happen and the next thing you know you have that finished product.” </p>
<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/jd3.jpg" width="640" height="291" alt="jd3.jpg" class="imageframe" /></p>
<p>Using bold colors in many pieces (picture the Jamaican islands in denim) the finished products are anything but typical. The women Gayle aspires to strut in Jainesse are as distinctive as the line: confident, intelligent, happy, and sexy! Jainess in musical vernacular would be like “Reggae when Bob Marley was alive,” Gayle says. “He would love to see all of his women wearing Jainesse!”</p>
<p>Be on the look out for more color, fabric and prints like camouflage and navy blue and white pinstripe for Spring/Summer 2008 as well as the March launch of <a href="http://jainesse.com">jainesse.com</a>!<em> For more <strong>Jainesse</strong>, visit</em> <a href="http://www.myspace.com/jainesse">www.myspace.com/jainesse</a>.</p>
<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/jd1.jpg" width="649" height="300" alt="jd1.jpg" class="imageframe" /></p>
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		<title>Kali Arulpragasam: Super Fertile</title>
		<link>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/we-love/kali-arulpragasam-super-fertile/</link>
		<comments>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/we-love/kali-arulpragasam-super-fertile/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:08:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dede Sutton</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[We Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Accessories Designers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fashion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ones to Watch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Super Fertile]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p><br />
Using jewelry to bring issues like class disparity and cultural ignorance to the forefront, <strong>Kali Arulpragasam</strong>, the creative mind behind&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/page5.jpg" width="500" height="722" alt="page5.jpg" class="imageframe imgalignright" /><br />
Using jewelry to bring issues like class disparity and cultural ignorance to the forefront, <strong>Kali Arulpragasam</strong>, the creative mind behind the line called <strong>Super Fertile</strong>, has people buzzing for all the right reasons. If her last name sounds familiar it should, she&#8217;s the sister of &#8220;it girl&#8221; <strong>M.I.A</strong> and clearly talent runs in the family. In any case, we&#8217;d be more than glad to make room in our jewelry box for these impressive statement making pieces. </p>
<p><strong>Q: When did you start designing jewelry?  </strong><br />
After graduated from Central Saint Martins, then a  Creative director for an advertising agency in New York and at the height of my career I started designing jewelry to start something more profound, important and precious.  I guess, I was always designing and communicating a message, so the move from advertising campaigns to highlighting global issue using people as my billboard is not that different and I made the move back to London, to grow Super Fertile into a fashion house. Our headquarters is in east London,  where all the magic takes place.  </p>
<p><strong>Q: Being a Sri Lankan native, how has your culture influenced your designs? </strong><br />
I was born in London and spent the greater part of my life in the UK and the US though from three to ten years old I lived in Sri Lanka and India. If there is one thing that I remember is that Sri Lankan culture is being ruined by war and primitive uncompromising traditional views. I guess this sentiment is echoed by many people who originate from a country that has been ravaged by post colonial corruption and war. I relate to the natural beauty of cultures and people the world over and this influences my designs. That aside, I do have a close affinity for India and her rich cultural past from where the Sri Lankan Tamils descend. </p>
<p><strong>Q: As a well traveled trendsetter, what is your favorite place on earth that gives you the most creative energy and inspiration?  </strong><br />
There are so many places. India is beautifully rich in art, music, colour, architecture, needlework, natural materials, etc. It&#8217;s like a 24/7 factory of arts. What is unusual about India is that it changes everyday yet hasn&#8217;t changed its essence in over 4000 years. They also have such a charming ‘can do&#8217; attitude without having any knowledge, experience, education or tools and sometimes ability – the children really make you smile with their curiosity and joy despite the terrible poverty. The purity and strength of this innocence is an inspiration to Super Fertile and an intrinsic part of me, and I take inspiration from the art and works of Jaipur, Agra and Rajistan.  </p>
<p>In Europe I love to visit the art works of Spain and Paris.  </p>
<p><strong>Q: Tell us about your latest collection &#8220;Tourism&#8221;?</strong><br />
The collection came about from being frustrated by not being able to visit Sri Lanka because of a stupid war that has been going on for the last 20 years. I simply wanted to reverse the media trend of showing only violence in this country and the promotion of men carrying guns as somehow heroic. This small minority causing trouble is now the iconic representation of Sri Lanka. I wanted to speak for the majority, for the women and children, for the beautiful landscapes, the amazing wildlife that are now largely forgotten or undiscovered. </p>
<p>The media seems to focus on the negative, so when you Google Iraq, for example, you get images of American soldiers with guns in rubble. This is not Iraq! Iraq has culture, music, fashion, children playing, sports champions, great architecture, etc. I wanted to create a positive tourism poster for the most dangerous countries that we cannot visit.  </p>
<p>I started googling for positive elements of countries which are portrayed as being too dangerous to visit. Did you know that Iraq is a great sporting nation in weight lifting? Total surprise! I became a bit obsessed searching the internet, books and libraries. Surely there must be more to Lebanon? What are we missing about Colombia? The cultural diversity in the Central African Republic? Women&#8217;s fashion in Afghanistan? Amazing fishing community and tropical fish in the middle of Sudan? Finding all these little wonders from parts of countries becomes addictive. It was a duty and a mission to design a necklace showing the precious beauty of these nations in the form of a tourist poster portraying a proud identity. For example, Sudan in silver or gold becomes instantly precious. Anyone who comes across this collection gasps and wows, they pick their favorite countries by comparing the other countries, they pay attention to the subjects, images, details and cultures. The truth is that these little wonders have been there all along. These necklaces are to be cherished as are these nations.  </p>
<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/page15.jpg" width="500" height="707" alt="page15.jpg" class="imageframe imgalignleft" /><strong>Q: What type of materials, crafting skills and technologies do you use in your designs? </strong><br />
The first thing is always the message. From this, the idea, the design, the form, the materials and even the size are derived to create a piece that helps to communicate the message with maximum impact. Yet precious and durable and affordable. </p>
<p>We have a highly skilled production team in India that hand crafts every piece using traditional cutting, plating and molding methods. It&#8217;s always a challenge to find techniques to create such unique designs that are affordable, highly artistic , unique and precious. We work with silver and gold but the handcrafting, workmanship, concept and design are the more precious aspects of the piece. </p>
<p><strong>Q: Your company is named &#8220;Super Fertile.&#8221;  Is there a meaning behind the name?  </strong><br />
I wanted a name that reflected the magic of fresh new life and flourishing growth, both in the physical sense and the creative concepts and ideas. For me, a new born child, a plant and a wonderful creative idea are all miracles that come forward despite all the odds. The ‘Super&#8217; is our way of turbo charging this natural process! </p>
<p><strong>Q: Who are some of your favorite designers? </strong><br />
I pay more attention to great artists and I don&#8217;t mean a flash in the pan recording artist. Pablo Picasso is always an inspiration to me, Escher is a mind-blowing visual genius, Freda Khalo for honesty, the Chapman brothers for innovative sculptures and authentic traditional art forms from all over the developing world despite their limited access to materials and technology.  In Africa, children make their toys from tin cans, they are my favourite designers! </p>
<p><strong>Q: Out of all of your collections, what is your favorite and why?  </strong><br />
The current one ‘Tourism.” From the original concept, the research, the designs, the production down to the photo shoot for the look book, I adhered to original concept with determination, conviction and creative drive. At one point I was scouting the UK for nine models of the nations in question. That&#8217;s hard enough but dressing them in national costume really tests your creativity – they don&#8217;t do Columbian dress in Wal-Mart and Iraqi national dress hasn&#8217;t hit the high street yet! Joking aside I went to every length to maintain the authenticity of the collection and communicate the message in the clearest terms. </p>
<p><strong>Q: We are dying to know &#8211; what artists are currently in rotation in your iPod?</strong><br />
Bombay Jayashri to calm me down and Spank Rock to get my heart racing again. </p>
<p><strong>Q: What&#8217;s one thing you want people to know about you?</strong><br />
My local council (Merton) educated me, and gave me the foundation to go after my dreams, I never forget the people who really helped me.  </p>
<p><strong>Q: What&#8217;s next for you and &#8220;Super Fertile&#8221;? </strong><br />
We have so much to do &#8212; you have to wait and see! And as long as there&#8217;s issues, we will do a collection, and right now, there are just so many to do! And we will keep going!<br />
<img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/templatebig.jpg" width="750" height="384" alt="templatebig.jpg" class="imageframe" /></p>
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		<title>Melody Ehsani: Eh$ani A Fine Shoe Company</title>
		<link>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/melody-ehsani-ehani-a-fine-shoe-company/</link>
		<comments>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/melody-ehsani-ehani-a-fine-shoe-company/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:07:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Clutch</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ones to Watch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emerging designers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Melody Ehsani]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p></p>
<p>It was a fashion “Aha!” moment when we were first put on to super fab shoe designs by <strong>Melody Ehsani</strong>.&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/melody-1.jpg" alt="melody-1" title="melody-1" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5262" /></p>
<p>It was a fashion “Aha!” moment when we were first put on to super fab shoe designs by <strong>Melody Ehsani</strong>. With come hither styling and opulent details these are the pumps you&#8217;ll reach for when it&#8217;s time go glam or go home. We got in step with the designer to find out more about the line that&#8217;s currently at the top of our covet list.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Tell us more about the lady behind the pumps?</strong><br />
I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I&#8217;ve been designing shoes for the last couple of years, and I&#8217;m currently working on expanding my line.  Design is my calling, and in following it I feel like I&#8217;m doing what I was really created to do, which is serve humanity.  I&#8217;m particularly drawn towards helping young women wake up to who they are.  I&#8217;m relentless and unshakeable when it comes to following things in which I believe are my assignment, so you&#8217;ll be seeing Melody Ehsani around for a long time.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Have you always wanted to be a designer, particularly a shoe designer?</strong><br />
I always knew I was a designer, but I never viewed design as a career option growing up. I was brought up in a house with two artist parents who never made money off their art. My father passed when I was ten, so I always felt like I had to be super practical with my life.  I went to UCLA and decided to go to law school, and eventually (after a lot of soul searching) I decided to drop out and follow my heart to study product design at the art center in Pasadena. I realized I had an amazingly intuitive talent for designing objects that functioned well and were aesthetically pleasing and that I LOVED doing it. Shoes are what carry you through the world, and I loved and understood them, so that&#8217;s where I started. But I am branching off into accessories and have some other products in the works that aren&#8217;t necessarily fashion-related.</p>
<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/melbw1.jpg" width="407" height="786" alt="melbw1.jpg" class="imageframe imgalignleft" /><strong>Q: We have to admit, when we saw your line our jaws dropped!  You are definitely an up and coming who&#8217;s who in the shoe game.  What keeps you motivated and focused while traveling this road to international success?</strong><br />
I just learned how to meditate a few years ago, that&#8217;s been tremendous. Of course, friends. Keeping good company around me, people who continually love and inspire me huge.</p>
<p>And of course God – who is the ultimate resource. He&#8217;s like my business partner, so whatever I cant do…I&#8217;m like, “okay, it&#8217;s your turn,” and miracles happen, straight up.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Give us the rundown on what type of things go through your mind or what you have to factor in when preparing to design a collection?</strong><br />
The practical side of me takes into consideration comfort at all times, so you&#8217;ll notice lots of straps and ankle closures designed to support your feet, in an aesthetically pleasing manner of course. </p>
<p>I&#8217;m also very conscious of detail. All of my heels have some sort of design or feature about them that makes them very unique.  I call them the “I hate to see you leave, but I love to watch you walk away” heels.</p>
<p>Lastly, color combinations and materials are very important to me. They determine a shoe&#8217;s personality. I used to collect sneakers, and my first exposure to shoe design was an internship with the sneaker company Cr8tive Recreation. My favorite part of the design process would always be color blocking the different panels and mixing different types of materials together. I used to sit at work and dream of carrying that philosophy over into stilettos, so you&#8217;ll be seeing much of that aesthetic carry over into my upcoming collections, and I&#8217;m very excited about it.</p>
<p><strong>Q: As an up and coming designer, what designers inspire you?</strong><br />
No designer in particular. I&#8217;m inspired by everything. I like to live as much as I can in the present and keep myself in the mix with everything, not just fashion and other designers but music, art, architecture, world affairs, movies.  If you ask my friends they&#8217;ll tell you that every table and shelf and corner in my house is always filled with objects and documents that have at some point been sources of inspiration and pleasure to me.</p>
<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/melody_estevan.jpg" width="500" height="400" alt="melody_estevan.jpg" class="imageframe imgalignright" /><strong>Q: Tell us about your newest collection?</strong><br />
Lots of purple, coral, metallics and sea foam green. I like this collection because the shoe doesn&#8217;t wear you…in the photos they look all right…but when you put em on, it&#8217;s like whoa! It&#8217;s a very deceiving collection and the details are subtle but strong.</p>
<p>My inspirations were Donyale Luna, Female comic book heroes, the Slauson swap meet, ANKLE SOCKS! –ones you can wear with heels, Hollywood Blvd and Cleopatra.</p>
<p><strong>Q: We know you have to stay on top of trends in fashion.  When designing shoes we also know you have to take in additional details such as, heel height, sole and materials.  What shoe trends are in for this year?</strong><br />
Culture specific patterns, pyramid heels, exposed platforms, laminated leather, the 70&#8217;s, revolution, teal, mandarin, purple and asphalt with hints of neon. Lace ups, small studs, snake skin, color blocking and fringe. </p>
<p><strong>Q: Speaking of the show, what celebrity gets an A++ from you?</strong><br />
I&#8217;ve been working with Erykah Badu as of late, designing some shoes and jewelry for her, and her whole package when it comes to fashion is so ON TIME…it makes me want to cuss. So at the moment, she gets the grade.</p>
<p><strong>Q: So far in your career, what do you think has been your biggest accomplishment?</strong><br />
Seeing myself and realizing that I am enough.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Besides your collection, what shoes can we find you in regularly, kicks included?</strong><br />
My high top Nike terminators.</p>
<p><strong>Q: One last question, if you had to give yourself a theme song for 2008 what would it be?</strong> Ooh that&#8217;s tough! I&#8217;d have to go with a classic… Kenny Burke &#8220;Keep Risin&#8217; To The Top.&#8221;</p>
<p><strong>You can purchase Melody Ehsani shoes online at</strong> <a href="http://www.melodyehsani.com">www.melodyehsani.com</a> <strong>For further information on select stores and boutiques in your area, you can email</strong> <em>admin@melodyehsani.com</em> </p>
<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/melody11.jpg" width="640" height="186" alt="melody11.jpg" class="imageframe" /><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/melody2.jpg" width="640" height="187" alt="melody2.jpg" class="imageframe" /><br />
<strong>{Photo Credits: Estevan Oriol &#038; Stephen Gilbert for Denacali}</strong></p>
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		<title>ROMANEK</title>
		<link>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/romanek/</link>
		<comments>http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/romanek/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jan 2008 04:00:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nikki J. Duckworth</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ones to Watch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emerging designers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://clutchmagonline.com/fashion/ones-to-watch/romanek/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>We were not at all surprised to find out that &#8220;Rockstar&#8221; was the product name for one of our favorite&#8230;</p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/rockstar-regular-bone.jpg" width="500" height="323" alt="rockstar-regular-bone.jpg" class="imageframe imgalignright" />We were not at all surprised to find out that &#8220;Rockstar&#8221; was the product name for one of our favorite handbags designed by <strong>Brigette Romanek</strong>. An amazing alligator clutch that manages to be both edgy and refined, it&#8217;s the  quintessential bag for the woman who well&#8230;.rocks. <em>Clutch</em> caught up with the designer to get the scoop on these uber stylish bags.  </p>
<p><strong>Q: What&#8217;s the story behind ROMANEK?</strong><br />
Creativity is what fuels me and my happiness. I have always had a love affair with fashion. One year a friend suggested homemade gifts for the holidays.  The next morning handbags were the first thought that came to me and I have been designing them ever since. </p>
<p><strong>Q: Who is behind the brand? </strong> I am with the support of my friends and family.</p>
<p><strong>Q: We read in your bio that your first collection sort of spawned from you designing bags for friends. Who do you have in mind now when you design and where do you find inspiration?</strong> My inspiration comes from everywhere . . . there is nothing that I rest my eyes on that I don&#8217;t draw inspiration from.  It is really rewarding to be able to extract beauty and translate it into a collection.</p>
<p><strong>Q: What&#8217;s the most exciting part about being a designer/entrepreneur?</strong> For me it is having a vision in your mind and then holding it in your hands.    </p>
<p><strong>Q: What kind of woman wears your handbags?</strong> They are created for a woman who has a style of her own and stands a part, which to me is chic. </p>
<p><strong>Q: What&#8217;s your idea of the perfect handbag? Does this bag exist in your line?</strong><br />
The ideal bag brings a nice “pop” to an ensemble, while still being functional. Since I mainly focus on evening bags, I check that they can house a lipstick, money, credit cards and a cell phone. I always include a little zipper pocket for anything personal—what goes in there is up to you. The perfect bag is very subjective; I feel that there is piece in my collection for every woman&#8217;s style.</p>
<p><strong>Q: How would you describe the aesthetic of your most recent collection?</strong> Sophisticated and sexy—I test this by how the bag looks under ones arm, in hand, on a chair or table.  The collection is light on hardware and has simple lines.  To me hardware has a tendency to “date” bags and I want my pieces to be timeless. The color palette ranges from earth tones to saturated brights.  I mainly use farmed skins and this season I experimented with other mediums such as feathers, suede, and canvas.  </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://clutchmagonline.com/wp-content/uploads/rockstar-regular-midnight.jpg" width="500" height="306" alt="rockstar-regular-midnight.jpg" class="imageframe imgaligncenter" /></p>
<p><strong>Q: What kinds of details do you feel make your bags special?</strong><br />
I suppose I can use “The Rockstar” as an example, because it has become my signature bag.  It unfolds like a scroll and is made from one barely cut piece.  When a woman unfurls the bag, you know it is a ROMANEK bag.  For me, it is the modern and unique shapes. They have a tendency to be architectural in nature, which sets them a part from other collections.    </p>
<p><strong>Q: Your bags are quite popular with the celebrity crowd. Is there any one in particular that you would like to see wearing your designs?</strong> I genuinely love seeing women carrying my bag. For me, it is always an honor, so it is hard for me to pin point one. I would love to see every woman carry a ROMANEK bag.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Can you share any future plans for ROMANEK?</strong> I have a certain aesthetic that is not limited to handbags. My wish is to incorporate other products under the ROMANEK umbrella. Like I said from the beginning, I am a creative person and doing anything creative makes me happy.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Any additional comments or information you want us to add or know about ROMANEK?</strong>Thank you for your support and thinking of me for this interview.<br />
<strong><br />
For more information on the Romanek line visit </strong><a href="http://www.bromanek.com">www.bromanek.com</a></p>
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